Andrew Bird - TenuousnessAndrew Bird has returned, warbling and whistling his way through a strong follow up to 2007's Armchair Apocrypha. New album Noble Beast has received much critical acclaim and currently sits at number 12 in the Billboard 200. It's well worth a listen.

Freeway - Bank RollzDuring the month of December Philly rapper Freeway released a new track for free download every day as his 'Month of Madness' project. You'd think that 32 free hip-hop tracks (31 plus the "Month of Madness" intro) would amount to a pile of crap, but you'd be wrong. The compilation exudes quality and the production is top-notch, as are Freeway's flawless rhymes.

Éléphantine - En attente d'un moment présentÉléphantine are from Montreal and create intricately layered electronic-infused indie rock of the highest calibre. My first listen to "En attente d'un moment présent" brought to mind a francophone Radiohead circa OK Computer. Their only release thus far is last year's 6 track EP Sous le règne des lampadaires but the band is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on their debut album which is scheduled to drop on May 5th. Anglophones, don't let the exclusively French lyrics put you off. These guys are brilliant.

Black Hat Brigade - SwordsAnother talented Canadian group, this time five guys from Toronto (Brampton, actually) creating post rock goodness under the name Black Hat Brigade. This track is from their first EP which was released last year and drew a plethora of Wolf Parade comparisons. A new EP is tentatively set to be completed for March. Torontonians can catch them at the Horseshoe Tavern on March 13th with Handsome Furs.